Also, don’t forget the influence of neighboring networks that can crowd the air with traffic on a particular frequency. This cannot be observed in any other way without physical measurement. Interference sources such as microwave ovens, WiFi security sensors or other IoT devices; there are so many different devices today, all using certain frequencies that adversely affect WiFi networks. Without targeted measurements, it is simply no longer possible to set up a flawless WiFi network.

During a measurement with our equipment, a full spectrum analysis is done immediately to get a good understanding of what is going on in the environment. To create a really good design for a WiFi network, in addition to professional measuring equipment and the right software, you need a specialized engineer who knows how to read the data obtained. Only then can you create a wireless network that meets your needs and takes into account all the surrounding factors.

There are several reasons to perform a measurement. A measurement can be a predictive measurement, called a predictive measurement. This predictive measurement can take place partially or entirely in software, depending on the data available about the building or space where the WiFi network is to be located. Reasons for (predictive) measurement are:

1. Not, or not optimally, performing WiFi
2. New building/move
3. Expansion of current network
4. Replacement of current wireless network
5. Preventive maintenance / Health check

A WiFi measurement gives certain assurances about the required hardware, the exact placement of the Access Points and the further design of the wireless network, such as, for example, radio settings (incl. transmit power) and channel planning. What also follows directly from a good design based on measurements is the positioning of all necessary cabling for the Access Points and the amount of switch ports (with proper Power over Ethernet specifications) to connect the access points to.

We are not tied to one particular wireless solution provider with our measurement sets because the measurement equipment and software used during measurements is compatible with all major manufacturers, think Ruckus, Fortinet, Cisco, Aruba, Aerohive etc.

WiFi Access Points transmit and receive via a radio signal. Thereby, the frequency is indicated in GHz. Because exact frequencies are difficult to remember, channel numbers are assigned to each frequency. Within the 2.4 GHz band, 11 channels are used. 3 of these channels have no overlap with each other in terms of frequencies. These are channels 1, 6 and 11. Within the 2.4 GHz band, channels are always 20MHz wide.

In the figures below, a graphic representation of the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz channels.

The aircraft example is just one factor to consider during the design of a WiFi network. Thus, measuring the situation on site is only the beginning of a thorough design. Interpreting the measurement correctly and getting the total factors to surface is a second. For this, a WiFi specialist is indispensable. Knowledge and experience with measurements and thus knowing very well which factors can cause a disruption prevents weeks (or longer) of searching for WiFi network instability. Therefore, the following certainly applies here as well: Measuring is Knowing!